The Government of India’s Ministry of Tourism has announced Devmali village, located in the Masuda tehsil of Beawar district, as the country’s Best Tourist Village. This prestigious recognition will be awarded at a ceremony in New Delhi on November 27.
Ministry’s Statement on Devmali’s Selection
Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, stated, “The Best Tourist Village competition aims to identify and recognize villages that showcase the finest examples of tourist destinations while preserving their cultural and natural heritage. Devmali village has been selected as one of the best for its community-based values, unique lifestyle, and commitment to sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.”
Promotion Through Documentary
In an effort to boost tourism, District Collector Utsav Kaushal had launched a rural tourism documentary focused on Devmali. Created under the direction of the former Sub-Divisional Officer Bharat Raj Gurjar, the documentary highlights the authentic rural lifestyle of Devmali and its potential as a tourist destination. The short film introduces people to the real essence of the village, its traditions, local culture, and the untouched beauty that it offers.
A Village Rich in Tradition
Nestled in the Aravalli ranges, Devmali village is unique in many ways. All homes in the village are still made of traditional materials like mud, with roofs crafted from local kellu (tiles made of baked clay). The village has preserved its natural beauty and is home to the famous temple of Lord Devnarayan, a deity revered by the Gurjar community. Each year, millions of devotees visit this temple with their wishes and prayers.
The villagers of Devmali strictly adhere to their age-old customs and values, abstaining from alcohol and meat in honor of their devotion to Lord Devnarayan. The village even caught the attention of the film industry, as scenes for Jolly LLB 3 were shot here last month.
The Unique Heritage of Devmali
One of the most remarkable aspects of Devmali is the unwavering commitment of the villagers to an ancient vow made to Lord Devnarayan. According to local lore, when Lord Devnarayan arrived in the village centuries ago, he requested shelter. The villagers, in return, offered him their finest abode while pledging to live in simpler, unpaved homes. To this day, no family in Devmali builds concrete houses; instead, they continue to construct their homes using traditional materials like yellow clay and stone. The roofs are still made of kellu, and only the temple and government buildings in the village are made with modern construction methods.
This steadfast adherence to tradition, coupled with the village’s natural beauty and cultural significance, has earned Devmali the distinction of being India’s Best Tourist Village—a title that will surely bring even more attention to this hidden gem of Rajasthan.